Infrastructure Universe, Vol. 8: PressureCAD, Point Clouds, & BIM

Greetings from the Infrastructure Universe! Over the last few weeks, Autodesk has released a few updates for various softwares. There are some exciting updates for everyone, but, if you design Pressure Networks, make sure you check out PressureCAD in the Great Videos & New Tools Section!

If you’re new to the Infrastructure Universe, don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list below to receive the monthly updates by email!

Software Updates and Hotfixes

#1: InfraWorks 2018.0 Hotfix 1

This hotfix improves performance and stability for Autodesk InfraWorks 2018.0. See the README for more info. Use the Autodesk Desktop App to download and install these updates.

#2: BIM 360 Glue AutoCAD 2018 Add-in

Install this to push your model directly to BIM 360 Glue from within AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D. Use the Autodesk Desktop App to download and install these updates.

#3: Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Geotechnical Module 2018

The Geotechnical Module for Civil 3D 2018 has been released. Some key features include:

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Great Videos & New Tools

PressureCAD

PressureCAD is an AutoCAD add-in that works with AutoCAD and all products on the AutoCAD platform, like Civil 3D. It is designed to connect AutoCAD and Civil 3D and your water distribution analysis workflow. PressureCAD is built from EPANET which is the industry standard engine for water distribution modeling. Learn more about PressureCAD’s key features like the ability to modify your Hydraulic settings, project inputs, time settings and constraints and draw pipes (AutoCAD version) with XDATA for EPANET analysis.

Creating “True” Offset Geometry using OFFSETGAPTYPE

From Civil Immersion: “Generally speaking, when using the OFFSET command we are creating a parallel copy. That being said, parallel copies aren’t always the best solution for every offset. For example, if an offset is meant to define a buffer, limit, safety zone or impact area; the “traditional” result may not be the most accurate.”

From Autodesk: “As a designer and builder of Caltrans infrastructure, you’re already familiar with Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D for powerful, context-sensitive BIM-based design. But did you know that AutoCAD Civil 3D is just one part of a comprehensive Autodesk BIM ecosystem that brings cloud-based BIM to every aspect of your design and build processes? That’s right, every aspect, from collaboration to reality capturing to simulations, all connected through Autodesk InfraWorks.”

Canvas

Digitize any room in seconds

Canvas, powered by the Structure Sensor, is an iPad application that allows you to capture 3D models of any room from the palm of your hand. With Canvas, you can save your models right on your iPad, share them via email, navigate between projects, and access all your measurements on-demand.

Webcast to Register For

Infrastructure Tuesday

Some of the new Civil 3D 2018 features he’ll be talking about are: drafting buffer for cross section views, connected alignments (which allow you to link two intersecting alignments when creating things like a curb return), the ability to create Offset profiles using a default cross slope, and automatic plan and profile sheet generation with the Plan/Production tools.

In the teaser, Ron talks about the drafting buffer for cross section views in Civil 3D 2018.

Want more from the Infrastructure Universe?

Each month, I compile a list of important software updates, new technology advancements, and current news like what you read above. Check out all the past volumes and subscribe to the mailing list to receive the updates via email!

James Lord brings more than 12 years of industry experience to his role as Solutions Consultant for U.S. CAD. Prior to joining U.S. CAD, Mr. Lord served in several BIM Manager and Specialist roles at KPFF, where he designed and created 3D models which were used in the construction of commercial, residential, government, and roadway projects. He was also responsible for pioneering, testing, evaluating, and deploying CAD standards and BIM modeling practices for his entire team, as well as providing training and mentoring. Mr. Lord’s other BIM Management duties included software management and customization, development of BIM standards and workflows, supervision and maintenance of software templates, technology evaluation and budgeting, and hardware and network support for BIM production. Mr. Lord also leverages his industry and software expertise to host “Becoming Civilized”, a YouTube series dedicated to the relationship between Revit and Civil 3D, where he shares best practices and new technologies geared towards the AEC community.

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Greetings from the Infrastructure Universe! This month, I have a whole bunch of recent Autodesk software updates to share. I also have several must-watch videos for you to work better in Civil 3D. Read on for all the updates.

02 Oct 2017

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U.S. CAD is a BIM consultant and Autodesk Platinum Partner with offices located nationwide. We offer products and services to help our clients Win More, Produce More, and Achieve More.